Scavenger Chic

Double Shutter DIY Wardrobe

• By Joan
• May 2, 2018
• 12 Comments

When I made this shutter cabinet back in 2016 one of the comments I had was that this cabinet would also look great with 2 doors.  Well now that you mention it, I can totally see it.

So here it is a year and a half later and I’m sharing with you my version of a double shutter cabinet.  And if you have lost count, this is Project number 24 for upcycling old shutters.

Most of the shutters in my stash are odd sized but I did have two that  matched that would work perfectly as doors for a larger wardrobe.

I used a lot of scrap wood for this project…pallet wood, cabinet backing and 1×12 sides,  but I did have to buy 5, 2×3’s, knobs, hinges and paint for the shutter doors.

Prepare your shutters. Scrub off any dirt and scrape off any chippy paint.

Any extra ridges or ledges should be chopped off of the shutters and sanded so that the shutters are smooth on all sides.

Lay out your cabinet on a flat surface. Cut a middle 2×3 about 1/4″ longer than the length of your shutters.  Cut 2 more 2×3’s slightly wider than the width of the 2 shutters and middle 2×3, and 1, 2×4, that same length. You’re giving the shutters a little space for swinging.

If that didn’t make any sense, make sure you check out the picture.

For all your cuts, sand as you go especially the splintery ends.

I hope you can see the little extra space around the shutters. On one of my projects I didn’t give that little extra space and I had to do tons of sanding.

Cut 4 more 2×3’s for your legs/side pieces.  Mine are 76″ while my shutters are 52″.  You may have to adjust your lengths based on your own shutters.

To each of the 4 legs mark and cut off  a wedge.  These will act as your decorative feet.

Use pocket screws and wood glue to assemble your 2×3 frame.  The 2×4 you cut is the top piece.  You’ll eventually see why that piece is wider.

Use the same construction for the back of the cabinet.  You can use more 2×3’s cut the same length as those on the front.  I’m using 2×4 pallet wood ends because I like using my scrap wood whenever possible.  That dark wood 2×4 should be the same height as that of the front 2×3.  You don’t need the center piece on the back.

More scrap wood for me.  This is  wood I pulled out my son’s rehab house.  Cut 2, 1×12’s for the sides, these are the same length as the side 2×3’s minus the notched feet.

On the 1×12 side pieces line up 1×4 and 1×3 pieces to match the framing pieces on the front. Use nails and glue to secure.

Turn those side pieces over and construct the interior framing. Four of these pieces will hold shelves while the thicker 2×3 near the top will eventually hold a closet rod.  Add another shelf if you don’t need or want the hanging space.

I’m using a copper plumbing pipe for my rod because I already had it on hand.  Drill holes thru the 2×3 for the rod.

Use nails and glue to secure.

Stand the sides up and insert the rod.

Use screws and wood glue to attach. Where those crossbars are on the sides are great places to use long screws thru the front and back. I also used some finish nails from my nail gun in between those screws.  Countersink and fill with wood putty.

I’m using this thin 1/4″ plywood for my backing since it was leftover from a prior project. If I had enough beadboard, I probably would have used that.  Nail into your back framing.

Behind the upper shelf I’m using rusty tin roofing shingles.  These are also nailed into the back 2×4 framing.

Use new or reclaimed wood cut to fit for your shelves.

Cut a 1×12 and a 1×4.  (or whatever wood you have laying around) 2 inches wider and 1 inch longer than the framed cabinet.  This top should overhang the cabinet one inch on the sides and one inch on the front.

Sand anything that is rough to the touch and use paintable caulk to seal up any gaps and cracks.  Fill in any nail holes and sand.

Prime and paint your cabinet.

I had some semi-gloss grey paint leftover from a bathroom renovation that I used for the pallet wood shelves.  The white is just my household trim paint.

I used a $2 can of Ooops paint from Home Depot for the shutters.

That fatter 2×4 near the top of the cabinet holds a piece of moulding to finish off the top.

Homemade latches keep the cabinet doors closed.  Just turn to open.

Store bought hinges from Home Depot and two knobs from Hobby Lobby complete the doors.

 

Stay inspired.

Shared at DIY Salvaged Junk Projects,

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Wow us Wednesday